Chapters 13 and 14 Summary

In Chapter 13, "The Conference Line," as the connection is made to speak with Khrushchev, Buck notes that the President looks impressively relaxed under the tension, almost sleepy. Khrushchev also sounds relaxed on the phone. The President asks that Buck be allowed to translate, and the Premier agrees. When they discuss the rogue aircraft, Khrushchev's voice becomes flat, but it becomes harsh when he voices his doubts that the attack is an honest mistake. The President mentions the pursuing fighters, three of which have now crashed, but Khrushchev says his analysts are not sure that missiles were fired or that the planes crashed rather than merely flying low to avoid radar detection. On the Premier's end of the line, Buck hears others trying to convince Khrushchev it is a trick and to attack immediately, which Buck relays in writing to the President. The Premier tells the...